Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards E-Waste Management in an Urban Slum of Delhi: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, with India emerging as a major contributor. Despite existing regulatory frameworks, safe e-waste management remains suboptimal, particularly in vulnerable urban populations. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to e-waste management and to examine the knowledge–practice gap in an urban slum of Delhi. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 adults in an urban slum of Delhi using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, and semi-structured questionnaire assessing KAP domains. Multivariable linear regression, Spearman correlation, and mediation analyses were performed to identify determinants and pathways influencing practice. Results: Only 20.24% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, 43.29% had a positive attitude, and 11.29% reported good practices. Higher education was associated with better knowledge (p = 0.002), more positive attitudes (p = 0.001), and better practice scores ( p = 0.013). In hierarchical regression analysis, Knowledge emerged as a strong independent predictor of practice (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and remained significant after further adjustment for attitude (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between knowledge and attitude (ρ = 0.52), knowledge and practice (ρ = 0.38), and attitude and practice (ρ = 0.33) (all p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that knowledge had both direct and indirect effects on practice through attitude, indicating partial mediation. Conclusion: The present study found that the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to e-waste management remained low among residents of an urban slum in Delhi. While knowledge plays a central role in influencing behavior, the absence of accessible disposal systems and limited dissemination of policy information hinder translation into safe practices. Strengthening community-based awareness programs alongside improving and is essential for effective e-waste management.